3rd Annual Shark Tank Virginia and Expo

Shark Tank Virginia 2019 is a third-annual startup competition and expo for entrepreneurs, featuring investors and a public audience. The event has led to over $500k in investment for participants. It features a startup competition with a cash prize and an exhibition area to connect with founders and their products.

What is the Startup Expo?

The Startup Expo is takes place throughout the event to put founders and startups in front of investors and the public. Startups and sponsors will have tables where they can demonstrate their products and services, and sponsors will have tables demonstrating their technologies and products to the public.

Startup Competition

The competition will focus on startups that are less than four years old, have a clear business model, have founders that work on the project full-time, have generated revenue, have received less than $3M in funding, and are ready for investment.

Companies participating in the event will be given an 8-minute presentation, followed by a 12-minute Q&A session with the judges, for three minutes with each of the five judges. 20 minutes will be budgeted each presentation. Judges will provide written feedback at the end.

The competition will be divided into three categories or industries:

Healthcare (5) (1 hr 30 min)

Products & Construction (5) (1 hr 30 min)

Defense and Aerospace (5) (1 hr 30 min)

Tech & General (5) (1 hr 30 min)

The judges for each category will be investors and industry experts in their respective industry. Each category will last two hours, with a 30-minute intermission between each competition. The winners for each will be announced at the end of the night.

Sponsorship Info

Other Details/FAQ

There is no cost to enter. If approved as a pitch, the startup pays $100 acceptance This includes 2 admission tickets. Must be paid within one week of acceptance.

Expo space provides a 6ft x 2ft table for $250 for the day, anyone can apply for this

General admission is $10/ticket; $15 after April 1, and $20 at the door. Accepted applicants do not need a

Bar will accept cash and credit cards

Catering service will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner, available for purchase

How are winners and participants selected?

One winner from each category will be selected by the judges in that category, based on strength of elements of the business model, novelty, and feasibility. Participants are selected in similar fashion, with five selected in each category.

Where will the event take place?

The Stryker Center, Williamsburg, Virginia

Why Should I Attend?

Ignition’s two Shark Tank events have raised more than $550K for startups since 2017, in a

celebration of entrepreneurship that brings investors, founders, the startup community, and the public together. The event connects you with the people you want to meet, and provides an exhibit area where you can connect one on one with investors and entrepreneurs. Everyone is welcome to apply, regardless of their business or location!

How does the event work?

The event features a startup expo throughout the day, and four pitch categories that will include five companies in various categories presenting to a panel of judges and investors in their industry. Each company will have an 8-minute presentation, followed by a 20-minute Q&A. A company does not need to fall into a category to be considered. Categories include: General / Technology / Fin Tech; products and hardware, healthcare, and aerospace and defense. The winners for each category and overall winner will be announced on the evening during the closing ceremony, although the real winners are those who make meaningful connections with other entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors.

I’m not pitching, can I still attend and Expo?

Yes, absolutely! Exhibit space is welcome to all entrepreneurs and members of the startup community. The cost is $250 for the day.

Is the event open to the public?

What are the costs and requirements?

There are no costs to apply, but if you are accepted, a $100 entry fee must be paid within one week to confirm your attendance in the event. The entry fee includes complementary exhibit space. Ignition does not take any equity in companies, nor is it involved in any investment decisions or financial transactions. Ignition does require that startups that receive investment as a result of the event, agree to become Ignition members for a minimum of one-year.

What is Ignition?

Ignition is a 501(c)3 startup support organization founded by entrepreneurs in September 2016 to help create profitable and sustainable businesses, strengthen the startup community, and to ignite a passion for entrepreneurship. Ignition’s physical headquarters is in Williamsburg, Virginia, but works mostly with companies outside its area and state.

StartWheel’s mission is to centralize and mobilize efforts that foster the growth of entrepreneurism in our regional innovation economy. We aim to support and cultivate an entrepreneurial network in HRVA where talent, resources, information and leadership come together.